Des

Name: Des
Genre: Drama, Movie/Mini-Series
Released: October 15, 2020
Rating: 75

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 7 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 6 Ratings

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8.2

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8.2	User Score Universal acclaim based on 6 Ratings

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Series Details & Credits

ITV | Sundance Now | Release Date: October 15, 2020

Summary: The three-part miniseries about the investigation and trial of British serial killer, Dennis Nilsen (David Tennant).

[Premiered originally in the UK on ITV on 14 Sep 2020]

Genre(s): Drama, Movie/Mini-Series

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Recent Episodes

tbd
S1:E3. Episode 3
Air Date: September 16, 2020
tbd
S1:E3. Episode #1.3
Air Date: September 16, 2020
tbd
S1:E2. Episode 2
Air Date: September 15, 2020

See all Seasons and Episodes

Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

The Times Carol Midgley

Sep 29, 2020

Season 1 Review: [Des] is restrained and it is quality. ... The main draw here is Tennant's hypnotic presence. To make a character simultaneously dull and mesmerising takes quite some talent. Read full review

The Independent Ed Cumming

Sep 29, 2020

Season 1 Review: Des is made to last. It has a confident script directed with a good sense of time and place. Read full review

The Guardian Lucy Mangan

Sep 29, 2020

Season 1 Review: Rare it is to watch a drama about a serial killer that leaves you feeling as though the victims have been done a service. In the end, perhaps the greatest accolade that can be given this sensitive, finely worked piece is that Nilsen himself, attention-seeking narcissist though he was, would surely have hated it. Read full review

John Anderson

Oct 14, 2020

Season 1 Review: Tennant gives an unforgettable performance as Nilsen, a portrayal that dances dangerously along the edge of comedy. ... “Des,” created by Luke Neal and Lewis Arnold and directed by Mr. Arnold, is delivered in three tautly constructed, economical episodes about crime and punishment, the crime, as usual, being more engrossing than the punishment. Read full review

Joel Keller

Oct 20, 2020

Season 1 Review: Based on Tennant’s performance alone, Des is a compelling watch. But Mays and Watkins put in solid performances, as well. Read full review

The Daily Beast Nick Schager

Oct 14, 2020

Season 1 Review: The result is a moderately engaging entry in the ever-expanding serial-killer thriller subgenre, notable primarily for its unique post-capture investigative angle and Tennant’s superb portrayal of a madman with a bottomless capacity for depravity. Read full review

Mike Hale

Oct 14, 2020

Season 1 Review: In its determination not to be sensationalistic errs on the side of vagueness. (If the point is that Nilsen was just an empty shell, it’s not made in a way that I found very compelling or particularly chilling.) ... Enjoying “Des” — well, appreciating “Des” — has to do with its details, which include the seamless, highly capable ensemble work among Mays, Watkins, Tennant and Barry Ward (as Jay’s right-hand man) and the appropriately musty evocation of the period by the production designer Anna Higginson and the cinematographer Mark Wolf. Read full review

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8.2

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User Reviews

MattBrady99

Sep 6, 2021

David Tennant, man what an actor and his portrayal of the Scottish murderer Dennis Nilsen is one of his best performances. Just like the 1995 film 'Seven', you never actually see the murder take place, but it's explained heavily by the killer himself in the most causal and calm way possible.David Tennant, man what an actor and his portrayal of the Scottish murderer Dennis Nilsen is one of his best performances. Just like the 1995 film 'Seven', you never actually see the murder take place, but it's explained heavily by the killer himself in the most causal and calm way possible. Incredibly chilling.

The scenes were made more effective by a great supporting performance from Daniel Mays.… Expand

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Seasons & Episodes

75

Series Overview
Season 1

75
- Season 1 Overview
  Air Date: September 14, 2020
- tbd
  S1:E3. Episode 3
  Air Date: September 16, 2020
- tbd
  S1:E3. Episode #1.3
  Air Date: September 16, 2020
- tbd
  S1:E2. Episode 2
  Air Date: September 15, 2020
- tbd
  S1:E2. Episode #1.2
  Air Date: September 15, 2020
- tbd
  S1:E1. Episode 1
  Air Date: September 14, 2020
- tbd
  S1:E1. Episode #1.1
  Air Date: September 14, 2020